INSTEAD OF WINGS, A BOOMERANG BEHIND THE BACK
Ill make you all pay! Youll see, you will! shrieked my brothers wife, her voice piercing the air like an angry kettle.
Whats this about, Lorna? I gave you the full amount, didnt I? What more could you possibly want? My mothers confusion hung in the air, as if the rain outside was asking the same question.
And wheres that written down? Where are the witnesses, the receipt? You and Simon owe us for half the value of this flat! Lorna wouldnt budge from the threshold, her shadow stretching across the hallway tiles.
Well, now, Lorna. Off you go, and do calm yourself, I said, barely restraining my irritation. I saw the handover myself. Is that good enough for you? Tell my dear brother hello, and someone ought to rein you in. Please dont come here again. My mother stood helpless as a gull on a beach.
Youll regret this! Youll be sorry! Lorna screeched as she departed. Ill find a dark sorcerer and curse the lot of you!
After Dad died, Mum sold her little cottage out in the country and moved into my three-bedroom flat in Bristol. Widowed, raising five-year-old Edward, my son, I was grateful for my mothers company.
Verity, would you mind if I gave Simon half the proceeds from the house? He is my son after all. Lornas always on at him for not being a proper provider, Mums eyes searched mine, pleading for approval.
Honestly, Mum, not a problem. Give him the money, its only fair, I reassured her.
We invited Simon and Lorna round, handed them the cash over tea and biscuits. Two years later, Lorna shows up, demanding more money, tossing threats and curses like confetti.
I ushered her out, locked the door, and tried to erase Lorna from my memory. We didnt speak to Simon or Lorna for years. It was as if a black cat had sprinted between us, leaving a trail of misfortune. Trouble poured over our lives like a never-ending shower, chasing us round and round, as if grief lurked always on the riverbank, waiting.
Mum fell ill, I succumbed to something nameless, Edward broke out in weeping eczema. Misfortune became our houseguest, stubbornly refusing to leave. All in the flat, smelling constantly of medicine, things broke, toppled and shattered. Clocks stopped in the middle of the night as if time itself got bored. I, a police officer, had to take early retirement. I had planned to work until they begged me to leave, but instead became a full-time nurse for Mum, desperately treating Edward. Money seemed to slip through my fingers, flowing away like the Avon river.
Somehow, my flat turned into a violet haven. I bred and propagated violets, selling them at the local market each Saturday. Those tiny flowers rescued us from debt. People were eager to buy them; they flocked to my stall.
Once a year, family would visit. Theyd stay for a week, bestowing us with lovingly-used but clean clothes. Theyd bring provisionsmeat, pasta, grains, and flour. We were grateful for every bit. Theyd leave, and the cycle would begin anew.
Pennilessness, illness, apathy.
To keep despair at bay, I planted a flowerbed in front of the building. That spring, I sowed seeds; lion’s mouth, stocks, marigolds peeked through the soil. This was my sole source of hope.
One day, Michaelthe eccentric neighbour from across the hallstopped to inspect my modest flowerbed.
Good afternoon, neighbour! Would you like me to give you some money for more flowers? Make it the envy of all!
Uncertain, I shrugged my shoulders. Michael slipped some notes into my dressing gown pocket.
Go ahead, dear gardener. Dont be shy. You bring beauty to us all.
Inspired, I bought exotic blooms and shrubs. My flowerbed became a dazzling tapestry. Neighbours gawked and gasped at the paradise blossoming from grey pavement.
Michael stopped by often, admiring the spectacle.
Only a good soul can coax such wild beauty from the earth.
Hed often pass me chocolate, sweets, even a tub of ice cream.
This is for you, Verity, for your tireless work.
His kindness made me feel visible again.
Years passed. Things in our household fell into place, bit by bit.
Mum grew stronger, her mood lighter. Edwards skin cleared. I suddenly felt like a woman in white lace, wanting to love and be loved, regardless of autumn years.
Edward, after watching his grandmothers struggles, resolved to become a doctor. He entered medical school with ease, worked part-time at a hospital, soon assisting in surgeries. Eventually, neighbours sought him for diagnoses, injections, IV drips
He specialised in intensive care.
Together, Edward and I redecorated the flat. Edward bought a used Volkswagen. He planned to marry his colleague, Olivia, a cardiologist. Life was calm and good.
But then Lorna called, her voice hoarse.
Hello, Verity. Might you come and visit me? Im in hospital.
I arrived at the address, found her ward, and eventually Lornas bed.
What happened, Lorna? I asked, startled by her hollow-eyed misery.
Heres the story, Verity Simon and I were walking in the woods. We found a human skull in the grass, brought it home, scrubbed it clean, lacquered it, made it an ashtray. Half a year later, your brother died in a car crash. Two months after, our son suffocated in the garage after drinking with friends. Now Im here with pneumonia Why did we bring that wretched skull into the house? It started all my troubles, Lorna wept bitterly.
No, Lorna, it all began when you turned to witches and curses. The skull was just another chapter, I replied. She had brought too much darkness to my family.
Youre right, Verity. I confess. I hexed you, I cursed you. My fury spilled out like black tar. And lookI’ve condemned myself to loneliness. Forgive me. Lets forget our foolish feuds. When I was young, I had wings behind my back, now theres only a boomerang, burning into me, Lorna slumped, thoughtful and quiet.
I told Edward everything. He was moved.
Mum, lets transfer Aunt Lorna to my hospital. Shell get better care. Shes not a stranger.
Lets do that, darling. I forgave Lorna completely; it was only right. She had nothing leftlost her son and husband.
One day, Michael proposed we entwine our destinies. He lived just upstairs.
Verity, come live with me. Well be happier, pass the time together. Youre a widow, Im a widower. Well have much to talk about. What do you say?
Yes, Michael. I didnt quite believe my good fortune. It fell from the sky, warmed my heart, set it glowing.
Mum was delighted for me.
See, Verity, your fate was always nearby, inching closer, watching you. Youve earned this happiness.
Lorna recovered swiftly and begged to visit. Should I invite her? Ill consult Edward and MichaelI hesitated, then called her back. When Lorna arrived, frail and cautious, she carried a small pot wrapped in torn newspaper.
Its a violet, she said softly, setting it beside my garden bed. I thoughtmaybe it could grow with yours. A fresh start. I want to try.
Edward, Michael, Mum and I watched as Lorna knelt, pressing new roots into the warm soil. A breeze danced around us, carrying petals and forgiveness. The years of grievances settled quietly, like dust brushed from a windowsill.
Later, as dusk fell, Michael took my hand. Edward joked with Lornaher laugh finally free from bitterness. Mum served tea, pouring the cups with steady hands.
We sat together, all five, the violets glowing in gentle twilight. There was no more spite, no curse, no blame. Just a garden, richer for storms weathered, and love reborn, as if wings might sprout again after all.
And if I turned, I imagined that old boomerang behind the back had finally flown awaylanding softly, at last, among the flowers.
